Plan operates close to 60 child media programmes in over 30 countries to help children speak out and promote their rights.

Producing their own media - such as radio, music and video - is often revolutionary for many children, providing them with the chance to gain self-confidence, make their voice heard and communicate with each other.

Kids Waves

Kids Waves - a radio show broadcast in 8 countries across West Africa, which is supported through a partnership between Plan and Nokia  – is  just one example of our child media programmes.

In each country, the show is produced in a different community almost every week. Children from the selected community are trained in child rights, radio production and hosting techniques before being involved in all aspects of producing the show.

Kids Waves has reached millions of listeners, and around 2,000 people attend each recording.

Changing lives

The shows have made a huge impact on communities. After a Kids Waves show on bilharzias disease in Ganquette Bala village, Senegal, children stopped swimming in the lake during the hot afternoon hours when worm larvae are in full activity, and took steps to prevent the disease.

In the same village, thanks to community sensitisation on the importance of educating girls, there was a public outcry when one of the brightest young pupils dropped out of school after getting married. The girl is now back in school.

Visit our Youth, Media and Development website